5 Simple Steps For Concrete Driveway Resurfacing

Transportation Engineering

Sometimes a driveway can start cracking and breaking apart. This is not very pleasing to look and can eventually cause major problems for the homeowner. Concrete driveways are especially susceptible to cracking and falling apart. Concrete driveway resurfacing can be a relatively easy project and can be a do-it-yourself weekend project for a homeowner.

Concrete Driveway Resurfacing (Before & After)

Concrete Driveway Resurfacing Techniques

Concrete driveway resurfacing involves 5 simple steps to follow. The steps are elaborated below to understand the flow of work.

Step 1: Grind Out Cracks

First, grind out the cracks in the driveway and then pressure wash the entire area. You want to pressure wash to ensure that the area is clean and any dust and fragments that are in the cracks are washed out. The main thing to remember is to get the cracks as open and smooth as possible.

Step 2: Concrete Epoxy

Next, use a concrete epoxy crack repair to fix all the cracks. The cracks must be fixed or bonded back together in order to keep the cracks from reappearing after the concrete driveway resurfacing is finished. This may take several days to fill the cracks and then let the epoxy set up.

Step 3: Concrete Paint

In order for the new concrete or stucco to permanently bond to the old concrete, apply a thin layer of cement paint to the existing driveway. Cement paint is made by mixing Portland cement and water until it is the evenness of paint. Spray the driveway with water before applying the paint, just dampen the driveway. Do not let the paint dry before applying the next step.

Step 4: Cement Stucco

After applying the cement paint, it is best to apply about a ¼ inch thick of cement stucco to the driveway. Stucco has larger sand particles than thinset and is therefore an excellent base coat for a driveway. To mix the stucco just use one part Portland cement to three parts sand. To change the color of the stucco, add dry shake pigments to the mix. Thinset can be used in this situation, however, since the particles are much smaller than stucco, the driveway will more than likely start cracking again within just a short time. Thinset is not strong enough to withstand the stress of vehicular traffic.

Step 5: Magnesium Float

The final step to concrete driveway resurfacing is to use a magnesium float to finish off the stucco. A broom finish can also be done during this step to give a more pleasing look or pattern to the driveway. A broom finish can be tricky though if the stucco is too wet or too dry as it needs to be the right set-up for the pattern to be visible and pleasing.

Resurfacing your concrete drive can be easily done as a do-it-yourself project for under $500. Professionals can be hired to resurface a concrete driveway but the price will easily be double the amount than if you had completed the project yourself.

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Thank you for this. I live in south Africa and im not sure which cement to use. We have a 32mpa and 42.5 mpa

And what sand?
Plaster sand or the corse sand we would use in foundations.

Thanks again

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3 years ago

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Micheal Anthony

Its not that easy you must have experience for instance, grinding cracks you need a diamond blade on a grinder and its dangerous to breath ypu nEef a duel cartridge respirator as well as full eye protection is a must. You can wind up injured & making a big mess something’s you need to let a professional Handel.